Controlling Rising Healthcare Costs: A Smarter Benefits Strategy for Business Owners

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Anthony Chandler of Acrisure, a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm specializing in property & casualty and employee benefits.

Anthony explains why CPAs are often the first professionals business owners turn to when healthcare costs spiral out of control—and why having the right benefits consultant in your virtual Rolodex matters. With more than 30 years of experience, Anthony shares how Acrisure takes a custom, alternative-risk approach to rebuilding health plans, helping employers control costs over a 3–5 year horizon without disrupting employees or provider networks.

This episode is especially valuable for CPAs advising business owners, CFOs, and HR leaders facing ongoing double-digit healthcare cost increases.

Healthcare is often the second-largest expense for businesses, and CPAs are frequently asked how to control rising group health costs.

Anthony explains how most plans rely on “off-the-shelf” products from major carriers, offering little differentiation or long-term cost control.

Instead of “renting” insurance year to year, Acrisure rebuilds health plans—optimizing pharmacy benefits, hospital services, and vendor selection while keeping the same provider networks.

By changing backend vendors—such as pharmacy benefit managers or stop-loss providers—companies can save hundreds of thousands of dollars without changing copays, doctors, or employee experience.

Acrisure primarily works with organizations between 100–1,000 employees, but solutions can be effective for companies as small as 25–50 employees.

Many companies already pay for concierge services and cost-saving tools within their plans—but don’t know how to use them effectively.

Anthony warns of continued healthcare cost increases and encourages employers to explore alternative, progressive benefits strategies sooner rather than later.

Anthony Chandler is a senior consultant with Acrisure, bringing more than 30 years of experience helping organizations design smarter, more efficient employee benefit programs. His work focuses on alternative risk strategies, long-term cost control, and improving outcomes for both employers and employees.

From Aviation Dreams to Accounting Leadership: A CPA’s Journey in a Growing Firm

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Laurian Tollett, Partner at DRDA LLC, to discuss her career journey, leadership role, and the wide range of opportunities available within the accounting profession.

Laurian shares how her path began in aviation before she discovered accounting as a profession that offers stability, flexibility, and endless opportunity. Now a partner at a growing mid-sized firm, Laurian discusses her work across attestation, tax, valuation, and firm leadership—highlighting how CPAs can build dynamic, people-centered careers that evolve over time.

This episode is especially valuable for students, early-career professionals, and anyone questioning whether accounting is limited to “audit or tax.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? What a Partner’s Day-to-Day Really Looks Like

Laurian explains how her role spans attestation, financial reporting, tax, valuation, client relationships, recruiting, and firm growth—showing that no two days are ever the same.

???? Why Mid-Sized Firms Offer Unique Opportunities

Working in a growing firm allows for greater variety, deeper client relationships, and the ability to help shape culture, hiring, and future service lines.

???? How Valuation Fits into an Accounting Career

Laurian shares how audit naturally led her into valuation work and how financial analysis plays a critical role in helping clients make major business decisions.

???? Why She Chose Accounting

After starting out in aviation, Laurian gravitated toward accounting because it is the “language of business” and offers long-term opportunity across industries, locations, and career paths.

???? The Importance of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

A key theme of the conversation is staying curious, adaptable, and open-minded—qualities that help CPAs grow as professionals and leaders.

???? Advice for Future CPAs

Accounting is far more exciting in practice than it appears in textbooks. Laurian encourages students and candidates to explore different paths, pursue their CPA sooner rather than later, and stay open to where the profession can take them.

About the Guest

Laurian Tollett, CPA is a Partner at DRDA LLC, a growing mid-sized accounting firm south of Houston. She oversees attestation and financial reporting while also working in tax, valuation, and firm leadership. Laurian is passionate about client service, mentoring, and helping professionals build meaningful, flexible careers in accounting.

Why It’s Never Too Late to Become a CPA: One CPA’s Journey from Tax to Advisory

Episode Summary

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with fellow CPA Delilah Durancou to discuss her journey into accounting, her path through tax, and her transition into an advisory role.

Delilah shares how she originally came from a finance background, why accounting became the foundation of her career, and how earning the CPA license opened doors she never imagined. Together, Kristie and Delilah discuss common misconceptions about accounting, the evolving role of CPAs in a technology-driven world, and why CPAs are far more than “number crunchers.”

This episode is especially meaningful for students, career changers, and professionals considering the CPA credential later in life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

???? What a Career in Tax (and Advisory) Really Looks Like

Delilah explains that no two days in tax are the same—and how moving into advisory has added a new layer of learning, client interaction, and problem-solving

???? Why She Chose Accounting Over Finance

After starting in finance, Delilah realized accounting provides the strongest foundation and the most flexibility across industries and roles

???? The Influence of Family and Mentorship

Support from family and mentors—especially during CPA exam preparation—played a major role in her success and confidence

???? The Real Benefits of Being a CPA

Delilah highlights the wide range of opportunities available to CPAs, including the ability to move across industries and into advisory roles with ease

???? Debunking the “Accounting Is Boring” Myth

Accounting is dynamic, client-focused, and constantly changing—requiring research, communication, and strategic thinking every day

???? AI Won’t Replace CPAs—It Will Elevate Them

AI can handle repetitive tasks, but CPAs bring the human judgment, critical thinking, and advisory insight clients truly need

???? A Message for Aspiring CPAs

It’s never too late to pursue the CPA license. While challenging, the payoff in confidence, opportunity, and career growth is worth it

About the Guest

Delilah Durancou, CPA works in tax at DRDA and is expanding into an advisory role. With experience across accounting and finance, Delilah brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to her work and is passionate about mentoring future CPAs